Residential mobile homes (park homes)

Mobile homes, often known as park homes, are self-contained prefabricated buildings, transported to a licenced park home site where they are assembled. Once in place they are very rarely moved, but to comply with the law they must remain capable of being removed.

There are 92 residential mobile home sites across Scotland in 22 local authority areas, however more than half of the sites are concentrated to six areas. Our research shows that many park home sites are well run, but some fall short of the standards residents expect.

We recognise that sites must remain financially viable so that owners can continue to invest in them to secure their long-term future.

We are working to improve the rights and protections of mobile home residents.

Licensing regime for residential mobile homes

Site exemptions and how to apply in Scotland

Site exemptions allow organisations promoting recreation or instructional activities to make responsible use of land as a camping/caravanning site without the need for a licence or planning permission, as long as certain conditions are met.

These exemptions are granted to approved organisations rather than landowners (known as exempted organisations) and are not an alternative to planning permission.